Foreign students also told to avoid political comments and keep the administration informed about their travel outside Aligarh
Team Clarion
ALIGARH – Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has issued a stern advisory to its foreign students, urging them to refrain from posting content critical of the Indian government or the country on social media. This warning comes as part of a series of measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the university’s international student community.
The administration convened a meeting with foreign students from Bangladesh, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. It was aimed at reinforcing the importance of responsible social media use. The administration has also asked students to notify the Proctor’s Office whenever they plan to travel abroad or leave Aligarh for any reason.
The university has 170 foreign students from 26 countries, and Deputy Proctor S. Ali Nawaz Zaidi emphasised the need for accurate tracking of their movements. “We have informed the students to keep the Proctor’s Office updated about their whereabouts, especially when leaving Aligarh. This is to ensure their safety and security,” Zaidi explained.
The advisory also highlighted concerns over social media activities, urging students not to post anything that could potentially damage the reputation of the university or create embarrassment. “Students have been warned against posting negative comments about the country or government on social media. They must refrain from engaging in political debates that could lead to unnecessary controversy,” Zaidi added.
The university recently took disciplinary action against three Bangladeshi students, who were accused of making derogatory comments about India and Indian women. The action was initiated after a complaint was filed by another student regarding the comments made by the accused students. Two of the students involved had already graduated, while one was in their final year of study.
Zaidi confirmed that the university is committed to ensuring that its foreign students maintain a respectful and responsible presence both within and outside the campus. “We are taking these steps not to limit freedom of expression but to ensure the safety and good conduct of our students in a sensitive environment,” he clarified.
The decision to warn foreign students about their online behaviour underscores AMU’s focus on safeguarding both the individuals and the university’s reputation, especially amidst growing concerns about the online impact of political commentary.
